Composed of two cultures, Tohono O’odham (“Desert People”) and Pima Akimal O’odham (“River People”), Ak-Chin is the only Native American community located totally within Pinal County. It takes its name from the O’odham word “ak-chin,” which means “mouth of the wash” or literally, “the place where the wash loses itself in the sand.
It became a very successful farming community based on the seasonal water flow from the now generally dry Gila and Santa Cruz rivers. The Spanish and their successors called the people Pima Indians because they answered the newcomers’ questions with the native language phrase abbreviated as “pi mac” meaning “I don’t know.”
Harrah’s Ak-Chin is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino with an international management partner — and it offers worldwide benefits through its Caesars Rewards program. Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, it recently completed a $180 million expansion. It offers 529 luxurious guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, a pool with swim-up bar, conference facilities, great entertainment and restaurant options, along with slot machines, video poker, video keno, live action poker and blackjack, and the only bingo hall in the entire Caesar’s organization.
The UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle offers 12 movie auditoriums, from 300-patron theaters to the 21+ Star Class theaters with in-theater dining and drinks to private theater suites accommodating six to 20 people. Other options include an arcade center, laser tag area, Gamers Cave, bowling alley, pool tables, Golden Tee Golf, soft tip darts, foosball, and the 14-screen Luxe Lounge sports bar with multiple dining options, and the Elements Events Center for family parties and corporate events.
Bucket List
- Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
- UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle
- Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum
- Masik Tas “Birthday” celebration
- Him-Dak celebration